Action
Final rule.
Summary
To comply with the National Invasive Species Act of 1996 (NISA), the Coast Guard has established both regulations and voluntary guidelines to control the invasion of aquatic nuisance species (ANS). Ballast water from ships is one of the largest pathways for the intercontinental introduction and spread of ANS. This rule finalizes regulations for the Great Lakes ecosystem and voluntary ballast water management guidelines for all other waters of the United States, including mandatory reporting for nearly all vessels entering waters of the United States.